CB550F2 '77 slow to rev when starting

[Oddjob]

That's a 500T Ted.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

That's a 500T Ted.

Is that a single cylinder or a twin then - hopefully Alex will know?

[Oddjob]

It's a twin.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Yeah I figured. Just like to hear engine sounds from the CB bikes 😂

I've posted a couple of sound from Honda CB's Ken has kindly pointed out the 500 is a twin - I thought the tank looked a bit odd.

[alexdecker]

Haha, I thought there was something odd going on, as it sounded like it idled on around 600, but the clock said 1200 😊

[Laverdaroo]

Thanks all for replies. Will go through usual maintenance next week, ending with sync. See if that helps things.

Does any of you have a video of a well set up bike and motor, so I can hear the sound of the idling for reference?

Alex, have a listen to this, he has this motor set up like a watch I thought and would be well happy to achieve the same with mine once i get some coils on it and get myself back in the shed.

The whole video is wortha watch if I'm honest, might help, you never know..........


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3933ouJ1wrI&t=229s

[K2-K6]

Question to OP, is this one running on std airfilter etc ? Or pods/open ?

I csbt remember if you've changed the specifications.

[alexdecker]

Question to OP, is this one running on std airfilter etc ? Or pods/open ?

I csbt remember if you've changed the specifications.

I am running completely stock. Read enough warnings and scary stories on this forum to just stay with the airbox. Can't say I regret it though!

[alexdecker]

Thanks all for replies. Will go through usual maintenance next week, ending with sync. See if that helps things.

Does any of you have a video of a well set up bike and motor, so I can hear the sound of the idling for reference?

Alex, have a listen to this, he has this motor set up like a watch I thought and would be well happy to achieve the same with mine once i get some coils on it and get myself back in the shed.

The whole video is wortha watch if I'm honest, might help, you never know..........


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3933ouJ1wrI&t=229s

Have seen this video several times, but actually hadn't thought about that. The engine really seems to run smooth on this one!

[K2-K6]

More fact finding than anything in the way of setup....but you could try it with the idle airscrews 1/4 turn out for a few days and then 1/4 turn in (both from where they are now as start point) and give observations as to difference you can feel.

[alexdecker]

Well I just went through the whole maintenance routine (cam chain, valves, timing and vacuum sync). It still halts a bit when cold. When warm, it idles beautifully on around 1000rpm, but when cold, it stalls out on the same idle screw adjustment.

I don't know if choke is really necessary when the temperature is as warm outside as it has been for the last few weeks. With 25 celcius and sunny conditions, I can start it fine without choke. Do you guys use choke either way?

No matter the temperature, I have to keep it a little up in the revs by holding the gas handle, until it is warm. Then it will stay at 1000rpm with no trouble.

There is just something beautiful about pressing the start button once, and have it go into idle, even when cold. But maybe that's a dream only with these old bikes and carburettors.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I may be mistaken but I thought there is an idle adjustment screw on the handlebar  right lever bracket just for this purpose - it might be 500 only.

The screw operates a ramp to hold the throttle open until everything is at working temp.

[Oddjob]

That was put in by Honda Ted to allow the mechanic to test the advance/retard mechanism, it can maintain a steady RPM, it's also useful to lock the throttle on the motorway for instance so it allows you to rest your wrist somewhat as we all know how heavy the throttle are on these early Hondas. 99% of my use was motorway.